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September 29th 2019 is World Heart Day

October 3, 2019
BrightStar Care just celebrated World Heart Day on September 29. World Heart Day was created by the World Heart Federation to bring awareness to Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) – the leading cause of death worldwide. Our helpful and highly trained staff is proud to help many people combat CVD!
You can learn more about World Heart Day here: https://www.world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/world-heart-day-2019/

What is CVD?

According to the World Health Organization, CVD is any disease of the heart, vascular disease of the brain, or disease of the blood vessel. Nearly 18 million people die every year from CVD. Of those, the majority (80%) are due to Coronary Heart Disease (e.g., heart attack) and Cerebrovascular Disease (e.g., stroke).

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. This blockage is often due to fat build up in the arteries that flow to the heart. Heart attacks can be fatal if not treated in a timely manner. Heart attack signs and symptoms include:
  • Tightness, pain, aching sensation in your chest or arms
  • Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cold sweat
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut off causing brain cells to be damaged or even die.  The effects of stroke can be short term or long-lasting dependent on how quickly treatment is provided. Symptoms of stroke include:
  • Drooping Face
  • Weakness
  • Slurred Speech
What causes CVD?
Multiple risk factors can lead to CVD. Thankfully, many of them are modifiable – meaning you can take action to prevent CVD! These risk factors include:
  • Physical Inactivity
  • Unhealthy Diet
  • Raised Blood Pressure
  • Tobacco Use
  • Cholesterol
  • Obesity
However, not every risk factor can be reduced through preventative measures. These include:
  • Family History
  • Diabetes
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Ethnicity
What can you do to prevent CVD?

You can take simple actions to reduce your risk of CVD. You can incorporate these activities into your everyday life to prevent CVD from impacting you!
  • Increased Physical Activity – Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 days a week will help reduce your chances of CVD. If that doesn’t fit into your schedule, taking the stairs and walking helps too!  
  • Healthy Diets – Limit your intake of alcohol and processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
  • No Smoking – Stopping the use of tobacco (or not starting) is one of the best things you can do for your heart and overall health.  
How can Brightstar help you prevent CVD?

As we age our bodies slow down – not performing as they once did. Your risk of developing CVD increases as you age. And your stroke risk doubles every decade after you turn 55.
Many elderly people find it difficult to remain active, eat healthy, and monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol to maintain a healthy heart. 

This is where Brightstar Care can help.  Our highly trained staff motivates clients to live healthy, active lives in the safety of their own homes. We can also assist in monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and more.
We believe that aging doesn’t have to slow you down. Let us help you or your loved one lower their risk of CVD!